JOB: Giant Hogweed Education and Outreach Position Open!

Giant Hogweed Education and Outreach

Work With Us

Finger Lakes Institute (FLI) is dedicated to the promotion of environmental research and education about the Finger Lakes and surrounding environments. In collaboration with regional environmental partners and state and local government offices, the Institute fosters environmentally-sound development practices throughout the region, and disseminates accumulated knowledge to the public.

About FL-PRISM

The Finger Lakes Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (FL-PRISM) is a network of partners in 17 counties of the Finger Lakes region of New York and brings together the resources of a diverse range of organizations to prevent, detect, control, and manage invasive species; ultimately reducing their proliferation and impacts. With the cost to control invasive species within the United States estimated between $120B and $137B annually (Pimentel et al. 2005, Runyon et al. 2012), the FL-PRISM allows for sharing and leveraging of limited resources within the partnership while representing a highly-visible program that builds community awareness and participation

Position Summary

The giant hogweed education and outreach intern is charged with educating people about the negative impacts of giant hogweed infestations within the Finger Lakes, specifically Wayne and Monroe Counties. Working under the direction of the Coordinator for the FL-PRISM, the giant hogweed education and outreach intern will satisfy three objectives: engage students in experiential learning, engage the community in ways to identify and report invasive species, and create a robust toolkit of invasive species outreach materials for giant hogweed to be used throughout the region.

The giant hogweed Education and Outreach position offers candidates a unique opportunity to work with a growing partnership network focusing on invasive species management. FL-PRISM is a supportive and collaborative environment that will provide the opportunity to learn and work within all aspects of invasive species management in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Individuals will gain valuable experience and increase their skill level in the fields of invasive species management, program development, public outreach and education, and volunteer coordination.

Primary Responsibilities

• Organize outreach events and educational opportunities for the Finger Lakes Region
• Represent FL-PRISM at community events and meetings
• Lead or help with educational workshops and trainings
• Help update and maintain the FL-PRISM websites, social media accounts, and community events calendar
• Assist with FL-PRISM information distribution, materials development and communications
• Write press releases or news articles promoting invasive species management and FL-PRISM Develop educational materials
• Maintain detailed records for all educational, outreach and volunteer events and information
• Maintain detailed records of communications with Partners, Volunteers and Area Residents
• Recruit and train volunteers
• Assist with reporting
• Assist with building FL-PRISM Network of Partners and Stakeholders

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with invasive species surveys and mapping, using iMapInvasives

Qualifications

• Knowledge of invasive species, invasive species ecology and management
• Strong interest in invasive species management and ecology
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Software (word, excel, power point, access)
• Working knowledge of social media (twitter, Facebook) and website maintenance
• Comfortable speaking in front of a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to work independently as well as within an team

• Experience working with volunteers
• Evidence of good time management skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Self-motivated, work well both independently and in a collaborative setting
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong writing skills

Educational Requirements:

• 12 credit hours towards an Undergraduate Degree (Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources or similar preferred)

Period of Work

This is a full time position starting June 1, 2016 through August 26, 2016. Weekend and evening hours will be required. Use of personal vehicle will be required.  Student will be reimbursed for work related travel when using personal vehicle, at a rate of $0.54 per mile.

Job Related Physical Requirements:

Student may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations and on difficult and hazardous terrain. These conditions often require considerable physical exertion and present the possibility of injury and the need to operate in an especially safe manner.

Travel Requirements: 

Some weekends and evening hours will be required. Occasional overnight trips may be required. Work vehicles may be available for use however, use of personal vehicle will be necessary.  Student will be reimbursed for work related travel when using personal vehicle, at a rate of $0.54 per mile. Student must have their own, reliable transportation.

How to Apply

To apply to this position, submit a resume and cover letter as one pdf document. All applications must be submitted electronically to flprism@gmail.com.

If you experience technical issues, please contact mosher@hws.edu.

EOE

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are committed to providing a non-discriminatory and harassment-free educational, living and working environment for all members of the HWS community, including students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and visitors. HWS prohibits discrimination and harassment in their programs and activities on the basis of age, color, disability, domestic violence victim status, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected under the law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes sexual harassment, sexual violence, sexual assault, and other forms of sexual misconduct including stalking and intimate partner violence, and gender-based harassment that does not involve conduct of a sexual nature.

Hobart and William Smith Colleges are a highly  selective residential liberal arts institution located in a small, diverse city in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.  With an enrollment of approximately 2,200, the Colleges offer 62 majors and minors from which students choose two areas of concentration, one of which must be an interdisciplinary program.  Creative and extensive programs of international study and public service are also at the core of the Colleges’ mission.

Position Title: Giant Hogweed Education and Outreach

Full/Part Time: Full-Time, 12- weeks

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Location: Geneva, NY, work location will be Monroe and Wayne Counties

Salary: $14/hr, provisional based on contract completion and funding approval

Travel will be required for this position